Casey’s General Stores Inc., is expected to open a new 40 by 68 square foot convenience store and gas station to be built on the property along Highway 13 where John’s Gas and Goods is currently located.
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The project, which has been under consideration for about a year, came to a close with the final asset purchase agreement signed in April. Casey’s management told John that he had six months after that date to close on the deal unless both parties agree to change that date.
Casey’s stores, with executive offices in Ankeny, Iowa, are generally located in small-towns, the majority with a population less than 5,000. According to its website, the company owns 1,394 corporate stores in nine states.
Acquisitions are the centerpiece of the company’s long-term growth strategy. Casey’s purchased 55 stores and built 15 in fiscal 2006.
Casey’s strategy of acquiring competing stores happened at the right time in John Whitfield’s point of view.
"I’ve been here for 29 years," he explains as his motivation for selling his business. "The opportunity came along."
If things go as planned, the existing eight-year-old structure housing John’s Gas and Goods will be demolished as will Skinner’s Automotive. John said he plans to move the two-story house which now sits on the southwest corner of the area to the north end.
The new Casey’s structure will be slightly larger than the present convenience store and to the west.
Representatives from Casey’s met with members of the Gallatin Zoning Board to approve the sight plan and issue building permits.
A new Casey’s would replace the already established business located south of town. During the recent meetings of the Gallatin Zoning Board it was revealed that the Casey’s building is up for sale, and according to City Administrator Zac Johnson, several people have already inquired about purchasing it.
Casey’s General Stores are freestanding and, with a few exceptions to accommodate local conditions, conform to standard construction specifications. The standard building designed by the Company is a pre-engineered steel frame building mounted on a concrete slab. The current store design measures 40 feet by 68 feet. Nearly all the store locations feature the Company’s bright red and yellow pylon sign and façade, both of which display the name and service mark of the Company.
Casey’s will construct 12 new drive-in parking spaces where Skinner’s is located.
All of the Casey’s General Stores offer gasoline or gasohol for sale on a self-service basis. A canopy will cover four service pumps at Gallatin’s new Casey’s.
Snack center items and freshly prepared donuts, pizza and other prepared food items are among the company’s product selection.
John said that just because he’ll no longer be running his convenience store, it doesn’t mean he has plans to retire.
"I’ll slow down a little bit, not a lot, but a little bit," he said. He said he has several options for his future but has made no definite plans. "I’ll take a couple of months to kick back and think about it."